Page 63 of Beguiled

Did I believe she was working with the Armenians? It was doubtful, but having her work with me was a perfect way of keeping an eye on her whereabouts and her friends. All while I confirmed who’d been the actual target.

Several scenarios continually played out in my mind.

“But equally dangerous,” she added. She wasn’t exactly fishing. More like accepting a healthy dose of concern.

“Yes, very dangerous.”

“Like you,” she said while looking away briefly. “What did he say?”

“I assure you that he will honor my request. He won’t like what happens if he doesn’t. You’re free to live your life.” As much as I craved touching her all over again, the door needed to be shut.

Permanently.

I headed to the door.

“Are you certain I’ll be safe?” She was suddenly right behind me.

This wasn’t anything I was used to dealing with. “Yes, you’ll be fine. Like I said, he wouldn’t be so stupid.”

“But last night you said the bastards who tried to kill me would come looking for you.”

“Last night you wanted me out of your life,” I reminded her while tipping my head. If she only had any idea how difficult it was for me keeping my hands off her.

Keeping her safe was the least of my reasons why. I wasn’t the kind of man to feel much of anything at this point in my life, but last night had been different. An awakening in a way that was implausible and for a man of the Bratva, unwanted. But damn it, just seeing the uncertainty in her eyes was enough to push me to an entirely different edge.

“You’re confusing. You kidnap then toss me aside.”

“You’re in your own apartment, Saige. I only ensured you didn’t put yourself further into harm’s way. Don’t worry. I’ll expect to see you at the office in a couple hours. Business as usual.”

Immediately, her facial expression changed, her eyes that had been swimming in desire only seconds before now hardened bythe ice running through her veins. There was no point in trying to help her understand that shutting her down… shutting us down was returning her life back to her.

I was definitely no good for her.

Hell, I was no good for anyone.

“Just so you are aware, I’m going to run a full dossier on your background. Am I to assume you have nothing to hide from me?” I could tell the moment I admitted what had to be done, I’d severed the close emotional tie we’d both felt.

Did I feel like an asshole doing so? Yes, but business was business. It was the reason I was still alive.

“You’re a bastard, Mr. Chertov. Just like what I said yesterday. A heartless bastard but that’s fine. Better I know now. Right?” She took a giant step away from me, ensuring I couldn’t reach out and touch her.

“What we shared was amazing, but you don’t deserve to be involved in my life.”

“You mean you don’t want me as anything but your good little obedient assistant. Well, I am much more than that.”

Yes, she was. “I’m aware. We’ll talk advancement in a few days.”

“Fine,” she chirped, faking a smile. “Don’t let the door hit your fine, chiseled ass on the way out.”

When I remained standing where I was, trying to find some words that would bring us back to where we’d been before the night’s events, she moved in a wide berth around me. With her usual drama, she unlocked and threw open the door, holding the edge with white knuckles.

“Saige.”

“Mr. Chertov. Go away. I have work to do before I leave for the office and am forced to face my boss. In case you haven’t heard about him, he’s a real asshole.”

The woman had no idea what part of me she was challenging. It certainly wasn’t the man she was used to dealing with. That part of our relationship was over. Now, controlling what we shared from here would prove to be as difficult if not more so than ever before. I walked out, clearing the door by a few inches.

As expected, she slammed it with enough force the entire frame reverberated. As I walked away, I could hear her cursing me from behind the thick platform.